Executives at Ford and Lincoln have announced that Lincoln will double the production of its MKZ Hybrid sedan for the 2014 model year. According to the executives, about 40% of the overall Lincoln MKZ production will be allotted to building the hybrid version of the car, which is double the 20% rate for the 2013 model year.

A Lincoln spokesperson said the 2014 model year MKZ Hybrid is set to go on sale later this year. The significant increase in production for the hybrid model of the car comes as demand for hybrid vehicles continues to increase. It also helps that the $35,000 base price for the MKZ Hybrid is the same as an MKZ with a conventional powertrain.

Hybrid vehicle sales through June of 2013 are up 18.3 percent to 257,000 vehicles. Ford entries into the hybrid field – the Ford C-Max and Fusion hybrids, and the MKZ – are all experiencing strong sales despite concerns over real world fuel economy.

Ford has also been embroiled in lawsuits as vehicle owners and vehicle testers continue to complain that its hybrids are unable to achieve fuel efficiency promised, and recently announced a software update to improve fuel economy.